EPA opens horizons for Emirati Book Industry at Frankfurt Fair

This prestigious international participation aligns with EPA’s strategic plan to build long-term professional relationships with international partners, while advancing a sustainable Emirati publishing ecosystem capable of adapting to global transformations and influencing the industry worldwide.

Emirati stand showcasing cultural diversity

EPA is taking part through a collective stand  that brings together seven leading Emirati publishing houses: Ghaf Publishing, Thaqafa Publishing and Distribution, Ajyaal Publishing House, University Book House,, Austin Macauley Publishers, Bumelha Publishing & Distribution, and UGARIT Publishing.

The pavilion features titles from EPA members, supported by QR codes displaying an English brief of each book along with direct contact information. This provides a more accessible way for visitors to explore the books, expand rights sales, and establish international publishing agreements with Emirati publishers.

Emirati titles published in German, Uzbek and Russian

Through a distinguished cultural collaboration between Ajyaal Publishing House and Weltentdecker Verlag, the Fair is witnessing the launch of two German-language translations of the publisher’s works. The first, An Elephant on My Finger, produced in partnership with the Deutscher Vitiligo-Bund e.V. and winner of the 2023 Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature in the Picture Book category; alongside A Tale of Two Colors, which won the 2023 Sharjah Children’s Book Award.This cultural collaboration also extends to an agreement between Ajyaal and Asian Book House to translate An Elephant on My Finger into Uzbek and Russian, reflecting the publisher’s commitment to building cultural bridges and strengthening the presence of Arabic children’s literature on the global stage, while affirming the quality and competitiveness of Emirati titles and their ability to reach readers worldwide.

Reception to enhance Emirati presence

EPA’s programme at the Fair includes hosting an official reception with the participation of a group of international publishers. The event provides a platform that brings Emirati publishers together with international stakeholders, offering them a valuable opportunity to foster professional dialogue, present their publications, and establish strong business relationships, while showcasing the UAE’s tradition of warm, professional hospitality as a bridge for cultural exchange.

Strengthening the role of the Emirati publisher globally

Representing the Emirates Publishers Association at the Fair is a delegation that includes His Excellency Rashid Al Kous, Executive Director of the EPA, who noted:

“Participation in the Frankfurt Book Fair represents a pivotal milestone in EPA’s strategy to strengthen the global presence of the Emirati publishing industry. Our participation goes beyond showcasing new Emirati titles; it is also about reshaping the role of the Emirati publisher as an active player in the global publishing movement.”

He added: “We are committed to enabling our members to benefit from this international platform by fostering the exchange of publishing rights, expanding the scope of translation, and creating opportunities for joint collaboration with leading institutions across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This participation is part of a long-term vision to build a sustainable publishing industry in the UAE—one that is globally competitive while remaining firmly rooted in our cultural and human values. We believe that Emirati literature, with its authenticity and creativity, has the power to inspire both readers and publishers worldwide, opening new horizons for global cultural dialogue.”

Strategic Meetings

Throughout the Fair, EPA focuses on holding business meetings and bilateral networking sessions between Emirati publishers and their international counterparts, as well as other associations and other book fair organisers that will give opportunities to UAE publishers thereby expanding professional networks, exploring long-term collaboration opportunities, and supporting Emirati literature in reaching new global markets.